Tummy tuck, clinically known as “abdominoplasty,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce excessive flab around the abdomen and restore more proportionate and youthful waist contours. Our patients often express frustration at excess abdominal skin or buildups of stubborn belly fat – effects which can arise as a result of weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and more. Thankfully, tummy tuck surgery can effectively tighten the abdomen, redrape extra skin and tissue, and create a toned, sculpted look unmatchable by even the most strenuous ab workout. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Amir Nasir, MD, is highly experienced in tummy tuck surgery and utilizes advanced techniques to provide the best possible results for his patients at Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Connecticut.
- What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Tummy Tuck Benefits
- Tummy Tuck Candidates
- Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Tummy Tuck Complications
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Tummy Tuck Scars
- Tummy Tuck Cost
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is a versatile procedure which aims to tighten and reduce unwanted skin, tissue, and fat on the abdomen. Patients with skin laxity, protruding bellies, or torn or stretched skin can often benefit from one of the many techniques which exist to contour the stomach. These methods are not limited to:
- A full, or traditional, tummy tuck, which addresses the areas both above and below the navel
- A mini tummy tuck is often best suited for those with extra skin and tissue in one particular area of the abdomen
No matter your particular areas of concern, Dr. Nasir can tailor your tummy tuck surgery to meet your aesthetic goals.
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck is designed to create a flatter abdomen by tightening the loose muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess skin. In some cases, it may be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat tissue.
Patients who have developed stubborn fat and loose abdominal skin and muscles due to weight fluctuation, aging, pregnancy, genetic factors, or a previous abdominal surgery may achieve a more aesthetically appealing and natural-looking abdominal appearance with tummy tuck surgery.
Patients should, however, note that tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure and not a weight loss surgery. To maintain the results in the long run, the patient should be committed to keeping a healthy and active lifestyle along with a balanced diet.
Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is ideal for those who wish to tighten the abdomen and remove excess skin after giving birth or losing weight. It can also be very effective for those who want to remove stubborn, excess skin, and exercise-resistant fat in the midsection.
The following individuals typically make marvelous candidates for a tummy tuck:
- A mom who has developed loose abdominal skin and excess fat in the tummy area following a pregnancy (in fact, a tummy tuck surgery is a common addition to the Mommy Makeover)
- A person who has experienced a major weight loss and is left with excess loose skin in the waist region
- An individual with moderate body contours except in the tummy area due to heredity or a sedentary lifestyle
The candidate should ideally be a non-smoker, be in good health, have a stable body weight, and have realistic expectations for tummy tuck surgery.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Entail?
Tummy tuck surgery not only removes excess skin and fat, but also tightens weakened, underlying muscles in the abdomen. The body contouring procedure is done under general anesthesia while you are sleeping and takes several hours to complete.
A full or mini tummy tuck may be performed, depending on the patient’s needs. The most common tummy tuck technique involves placing a horizontal incision just above the pubic region.
Depending on the extent of skin to be removed, Dr. Nasir will determine the length of the incision. The patient’s abdominal structure will be considered while planning for the incision.
If the patient has loose skin above the navel area, a second incision may be made around the navel to pull down the excess skin. Dr. Nasir will suture the loose underlying muscle and tissue through the incision to tighten the abdominal wall. If the lower abdomen has stretch marks, they may also be improved with this procedure.
What Complications Are Associated with Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck complications are quite rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced professional; however, every major cosmetic surgery comes with inherent risks. That said, in uncommon cases, tummy tuck surgery can cause poor wound healing, numbness, moderate soreness, or seroma (fluid buildup under the skin). Rest assured that Dr. Nasir will evaluate your chances for these side effects and do all he can to prevent them. If you notice any of these symptoms as you recover, please contact our office right away.
What Can I Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Patients may return to work and resume daily activities within two weeks, though they will have to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for about four weeks. Small drains are placed to assist the body in ridding itself of excess fluid, and are also removed within a week. Results are visible immediately, but compression garments will need to be worn to help minimize swelling. In addition, bandages will be placed in the areas where Dr. Nasir has performed the incisions. The patient should maintain a regular diet and exercise program following surgery.
What Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Look Like?
While some degree of scarring can be expected after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Nasir will aim to keep the resulting scars concealed in the natural skin creases and inconspicuous locations as much as possible. As such, noticeable scarring above the bikini line is often minimal. Scars that do appear typically fade to a flesh color when patients strictly adhere to their aftercare instructions.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The national average cost of tummy tuck surgery in 2020 was $6,154 for the surgeon’s fee. This amount does not, however, account for anesthesia fees, post-operative garments and care, or fees associated with the particular method used during the procedure. Our team will provide you with a price estimate during your consultation. In the meantime, please explore our plastic surgery financing options, which include CareCredit®, a program with installment plans for eligible patients to pay for treatment according to their own timeline.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Nasir provides tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedures to patients in Westport, Fairfield, New Haven, and surrounding areas. If you would like more information on the procedure, please contact us today by completing our online form or call (203) 221-5809 to schedule your consultation.
